The Brooklyn Bridge Walk

The best time is usually Sunrise or Sunset.  From my perspective, I am not getting up early to see the sunrise, but many people do and are happy that they do it!

The views are best approached from Brooklyn.  So, depending on the time of day you go, (i.e. if you go at Sunrise and Start in Brooklyn) you need to figure out the logistics of how to get to Brooklyn at 6AMish — do you feel comfortable on the Subway?  How crowded is it at 6AM walking across?  If you go from Manhattan, you can always TURN AROUND and look.

Brooklyn → Manhattan
Best skyline views and iconic photo angles.

Manhattan → Brooklyn
Great views of DUMBO and the Manhattan Bridge.

Most people take 30–45 minutes to walk across the bridge one way. If you stop for photos or sightseeing, plan for 45–60 minutes. Also, depending on the day it can be crowded.

A round-trip walk usually takes 60–90 minutes.

The Brooklyn Bridge connects:

• Manhattan (City Hall / Civic Center)
• Brooklyn (DUMBO / Downtown Brooklyn)

The pedestrian walkway runs above traffic and is open 24 hours a day.

Subway Lines to the Manhattan Side

• The closest subway stations are:
• Brooklyn Bridge–City Hall (4, 5, 6)
• Chambers Street (J, Z)
• City Hall (R, W)
• Fulton Street (A, C, J, Z, 2, 3, 4, 5)

From these stations, it’s a 3–10 minute walk to the bridge entrance.

Bus Routes to the Manhattan Side

• M15 / M15 SBS – stops near Park Row
• M103 – near City Hall
• M55 – Broadway & Fulton Street
  Ferry to the Manhattan Side

You can take the NYC Ferry to Pier 11 / Wall Street.  AMAZING VIEWS OF Manhattan Skyline.  *But just take it to Dumbo instead! Then you are in Brooklyn

From there, it’s a 12–15 minute walk to the bridge entrance.

Subway Lines to Brooklyn Side

• High St – Brooklyn Bridge (A, C) – closest stop
• York St (F) – about 8 minutes away
• Clark St (2, 3) – about 12 minutes away
• Borough Hall (2, 3, 4, 5) – about 15 minutes away

Bus Routes to Brooklyn Side

• B25
• B26
• B38
• B41
• B52
• B103

All stop near Cadman Plaza or DUMBO.

Ferry to Brooklyn Side

Take the NYC Ferry – East River Route to: DUMBO / Fulton Ferry Landing

From there, it’s a 10–12 minute walk to the pedestrian entrance.

NYC Ferry App & Tickets: To ride the ferry, download the NYC Ferry App. What the App Does:

• Buy and store tickets
• View schedules and routes
• Get real-time arrival updates
• Use mobile “scan and ride” boarding

Ferry Schedule

• Runs every 20–30 minutes
• Operates daily Service typically runs 6:30 AM – 10 PM

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Layers (it’s windy year-round)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Hat or gloves in colder months
• Water in warm weather

The bridge has little shade and can feel colder than street level.

Yes — walking across the bridge is completely free and open 24/7.

Yes.

The Brooklyn entrance at Tillary Street has a ramp suitable for:

• Wheelchairs
• Strollers
• Mobility devices

The DUMBO Washington Street stairs are not accessible.

Yes — but cyclists must stay in the designated bike lane. Pedestrians should remain in the walking lane at all times.

No public restrooms are located on the bridge. Nearby options:

• City Hall Park (seasonal)
• Fulton Center
• Cafés in DUMBO or South Street Seaport

Yes — dogs are allowed if kept on a leash

Yes. The bridge is:

• Well-lit
• Heavily trafficked
• Monitored by NYPD

Daytime and early evening are the safest and most popular times. BUT if you don’t feel safe when you get there for any reason, don’t go.

Brooklyn (DUMBO)

• Time Out Market
• Juliana’s Pizza
• Shake Shack
• Empire Stores

Manhattan

• South Street Seaport
• Eataly Downtown
• Fulton Street restaurants